Teachers and political parties

[kags]

Should teachers be allowed to stand as candidates in elections for political parties?

[thekraut]

why not. as long as they don't try to influence their pupils, I don't see any problems. everybody knows that even teachers probably have some kind of political opinion, and standing as candidates doesn't really change anything, does it?

[andy hughes]

I think it does change things - the individual's political sympathies become common knowledge, and therefore open to exploitation. Fore the protection of the individua, as much as the children in his or her care, political parties are best avoided. Consider the dreadful public profile of the teaching professsion - does it really need individuals appearing to have enough time and energy to devote to a second career, when the perception is that most teachers are not devoting enough time or energy, or skill, to the first.

[thewillow]

I presume your question is prompted by the suspension of Simon Shields from his teaching position because he announced that he was standing as a candidate for the BNP in the European elections.

[kags]

yes, that did indeed prompt the question!

[Gef]

andy wrote, "Consider the dreadful public profile of the teaching professsion - does it really need individuals appearing to have enough time and energy to devote to a second career, when the perception is that most teachers are not devoting enough time or energy, or skill, to the first. First of all the teaching profession does not have a dreadful public profile (at least here in Scotland). Secondly, it would not be a second career since, if elected, the teacher would have to give up his/her post. Finally, I take exception to andy's suggestion that teachers do not put in enough time or effort and are not skilled. Come and try my job any day andy.

[jjf2003]

Teachers should have the same political rights as everyone else, including running for office (no matter what their political beliefs), as long as they don't make them known in class or wear political badges. If it's good enough for Church ministers and priests it should be good enough for teachers. (I have known of a Catholic priest to 'advise' his congregation on which way to vote and a Church of Scotland minister, standing as a Labour candidate, to go around wearing both his dog collar and Labour party badge at the same time - now that IS wrong in my book!

[andy hughes]

Gef, you are quite right about the teachers' profile in Scotland, which enjoys a far higher status than in England. As tyo my point (perhaps not made clearly enough), my intention was to imply that the perception of teachers by the public is entirely wrong - I have been married to a teacher / Deputy Head / Head, so I know how hard they work. If I inadverntently gave offence to any teachers out there, please accept my sincere apologies.

[apricot]

Are you talking about local politics, parish council, town council, county council, or standing as an MP. Am I right in my belief that an LEA teacher would have to resign before standing for election as an MP?

[Gef]

andy, apology gracefully accepted. Perhaps if I had read your answer more carefully I would have realised the point that you were making.